Three Reasons To Ditch Your Store-Bought Orthotics, Now

When you’ve got foot pain, many people will try anything that promises to get rid of their foot pain ASAP. And over-the-counter (OTC) foot orthotics found in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers are often very quick to offer just that – despite not knowing a single thing about your feet and foot type, the cause of your pain or injury, your injury history – or anything else (yes, already sounds sketchy we know!). 

These OTC insole products are attractive because they’re instantly accessible and budget-friendly while promising immediate relief for those suffering from foot fatigue or minor pains. And while they’re not wrong that adding a gel cushion or a felt underlying could help add a little comfort to your feet, when addressing more complex foot issues or supporting long-term foot health, these store-bought options most often fall short. Like, really short. Here’s why.

Orthotic Customisation and Precision

One of the key shortcomings of store-bought orthotics is their lack of customisation. OTC insoles are mass-produced to fit a general model of foot shapes and sizes based on average foot dimensions. They assume every foot is the same! They are designed to appeal to a broad audience, with categories often limited to foot size and low, medium, or high arch types. This generalised approach may provide superficial (and short-lived) comfort and support but fails to address specific biomechanical issues unique to each individual. And with that, you can’t achieve the long-term results and relief you’re looking for. Plus, you’ll never perform as well on your feet as you could.

By comparison, custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist begin with a thorough assessment of your feet, examining not just the structure but also how you walk and stand. This detailed evaluation ensures that the orthotics support precisely where your feet need it. For example, if you have a foot imbalance or overloading that contributes to knee pain or lower back discomfort, a podiatrist can design orthotics that correct these specific misalignments, achieving a greater balance to take the load off your joints. The customisation extends to taking into account your lifestyle, the types of shoes you wear, and the sports you play, making them truly tailored to your personal needs.

This bespoke approach not only provides targeted relief but also enhances the effectiveness of the orthotics in treating and preventing further complications. While store-bought orthotics might temporarily cushion your step, they lack the ability to provide the corrective support many individuals require for lasting health and comfort. Custom orthotics, crafted based on a detailed understanding of your foot’s mechanics, can transform your quality of life by improving posture, alleviating pain, and increasing mobility in ways that OTC solutions simply can’t match.

Long-Term Effectiveness and Health Benefits

While store-bought orthotics may offer a quick fix, their ability to provide lasting relief and address underlying foot conditions is limited. Really limited. These off-the-shelf options typically focus on immediate comfort, such as cushioning for high-impact activities or reducing initial symptoms of discomfort. However, they often fail to tackle the root causes of foot problems, which can lead to a reliance on temporary solutions and ongoing discomfort.

This is where, again, custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist are designed not only to relieve pain but also to correct the biomechanical issues contributing to it. For instance, if you pronate your feet excessively—where your foot rolls inward significantly when walking—custom orthotics can be engineered to correct this specific alignment issue, thereby alleviating strain on the ankles, knees, and hips. This correction goes beyond mere symptom relief and addresses the mechanical function of your foot, which can prevent the progression of degenerative conditions and reduce the risk of injuries over time.

Moreover, the health benefits of custom orthotics extend across various aspects of physical well-being. By aligning the feet properly, they can improve overall posture and gait, which are crucial for reducing wear and tear on other joints and muscles throughout the body. We like to think of it as a holistic improvement in body alignment, which then has the potential to decrease general fatigue, enhance athletic performance, and even prevent issues in the lower back and neck.

As podiatrists, we also have the ability to tailor the design of orthotics to suit specific lifestyles and activities, ensuring that whether you are a highly active individual or someone who stands for long periods, your orthotics provide support that complements your daily activities. And when it comes to long-lasting orthotics that best care for your foot health (and overall health), this really matters.

Material Quality and Durability

The difference in material quality between store-bought and custom orthotics is another significant factor to consider. Over-the-counter orthotics are often made from cheaper, less durable materials designed for mass production and cost efficiency. These materials might initially feel comfortable and offer some support, but they tend to degrade quickly under regular use. The material quickly grows tired and gets compressed, affecting its functionality greatly. This means they become less comfortable and then need replacing, the cost of which can quickly add up over time. 

On the other hand, custom orthotics are made from high-grade materials selected based on the specific needs and conditions of your feet. As podiatrists, we choose materials that offer excellent support, comfort, durability, and resilience. These materials are tailored to withstand the wear and tear of daily activities and maintain their structural properties over a much longer period. This durability is crucial for providing consistent, reliable support as you walk, run, or engage in other activities. The orthotics we offer are indeed much more expensive than OTC insoles, but they’re made to last years longer, needing replacement very infrequently. Plus, they do a much better job for your feet.

Ready for orthotics that genuinely put your health first? Book your appointment with our podiatrists at Masterton Foot Clinic, and we’ll perform a comprehensive assessment, letting you know if orthotics are right for you and exactly how they can help. Call us on 06 370 4057 or book your appointment online here.